The L2P drivers program has been a success since the initiative expanded to cover Rochester, Lockington and Elmore last year.
L2P co-ordinator Nikki Harris said the new vehicle will help support the growing numbers of participants in Rochester and surrounds.
“Previously, the car would have had to come from Echuca, so we would be asking the mentor to drive all the way to Echuca in their own vehicle, collect the L2P vehicle, come back down, drive and return it - so it's a lot for them,” she said.
“It’s great for the Rochester community... and it’s meant we can open up this program to more young learners that are up against the odds in communities such as this because they’re quite isolated and don’t have access to public transport. This opens up opportunities for employment and things like that.”
So far, six Rochester Secondary College students have obtained their probationary licenses through the in-school program.
Many of the students who take up the program are unable to complete their 120 hours of supervised driving outside of school.
The program provides students with access to a vehicle and a qualified mentor free of charge.
In support of the program, the Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester have donated $5,000 to be put towards the running costs of the vehicle.
The Rochester SES has also supported the initiative and is looking to continue its support in different capacities.
Rochester SES Controller Tim Williams said educating learners on the importance of road safety will benefit them in their roles as well.
“Many of the road crash rescue jobs that we get called to are fairly preventable,” he said.
“We’re looking to get some more education into that learner's space and show them what can or can’t happen out on the road... and just trying to get enough education out there for the learners to avoid us having to come and cut the car from around them.
“The less time we can spend cutting cars up and the more time teaching people to drive them is money and time well spent.”
With the new vehicle and the program continuing to grow in Rochester, Elmore and Lockington, CCLLEN is now able to take on more learners and mentors.
For more information about the TAC L2P Learner Driver Program and how to get involved, visit www.ccllen.com.au or phone Nikki Harris on 0424 478 014.
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